Why You Shouldn't Say "Sorry" After a Car Accident

Posted By The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC || 21-Sep-2017

Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is an overwhelming and chaotic
experience. You might feel shaken, frustrated, and completely disoriented
and, in the heat of the moment, it might feel completely natural to apologize
for the accident even if it was not your fault. However, this simple gesture
can actually jeopardize your chances at obtaining fair compensation for
any injuries and property damage you sustained.

Here are some reasons why you should refrain from apologizing after being
involved in a
car accident:

It can be viewed as an admission of fault: Apologizing to the other driver or to the law enforcement officer who
is writing the police report creates a record of that apology, which the
insurance company will see. Their job is to keep you from obtaining the
compensation you deserve, so you can expect them to use your apology against
you as evidence of your culpability. While this might not be enough to
completely deny you of compensation, it could be enough to reduce it.

You do not have all the facts: Even if you believe you were at fault for the accident, there is no reason
to rush into accepting responsibility when you still do not have all the
facts. Let law enforcement and your personal injury attorney do their
jobs and fully investigate the accident before jumping to conclusions.

Focus on the important things: Apologizing might seem like the perfect act of kindness, but it will not
help anyone. Instead of saying that you are sorry, ask everyone if they
are okay and call for emergency medical assistance if necessary. You can
also take the time to exchange information, such as driver’s licenses,
license plate numbers, insurance information, and phone numbers.

Speaking to the insurance company: Not only should you ban the word “sorry” while you are at
the scene of the accident, but you should also eliminate the word from
your vocabulary when speaking to the at-fault party’s insurance
company. They might attempt to coax an apology out of you, so do not let
them lure you into their trap or you might risk your chance of receiving
compensation. You can also ask your personal injury attorney to handle
speaking with the insurance adjuster to ensure no mistakes are made.

Car Accident Attorneys in Austin

If you were recently injured in a car accident, you will need an experienced
and skilled personal injury attorney on your side. At The Stewart Law
Firm, PLLC, our Austin legal team has the resources and skills to help
you obtain the fair compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering,
and financial losses. Our firm is backed by decades of collective experience,
which we will diligently put to work for you. If we cannot win your case,
you will not owe us any legal fees.

Contact our office today at
(512) 271-5112 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation. We are available 24/7 to take
your call.